Today was so joyous as we welcomed Arana into the postulancy of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration during Day Hour in our Adoration Chapel in Clyde, Missouri.

The ceremony began with the ritual knocking on the chapel door, the symbol of a woman’s desire to enter the monastery.

Knocking for entrance at the chapel door

After Arana was welcomed inside, General Counselor Sister Cheryl Morehead, OSB (acting on behalf of Prioress General Sister Pat Nyquist, OSB) explained the importance of the Eucharist and the vital role of the Liturgy of the Hours, its place in our Benedictine heritage.

Arana formally voiced her desire for entrance into the Congregation, and Sister Cheryl prayed, “As we walk parallel pathways to you, our God, give her insight into her calling. May her generous gift be an inspiration to all of us to continue to give ourselves wholeheartedly in joy and love.”

Sister Lynn Marie D’Souza, formation director, presented Arana with the Office Book, which she will use during her postulancy.

“As you advance in your monastic observance and your personal prayer, may these psalms and canticles be your constant inspiration to the honor and praise of God,” Sister Lynn Marie said.

(From left) Sister Cheryl, Postulant Arana and Sister Lynn Marie

Then Arana signed the Declaration of Service, which, along with the Office Book, signifies her entry into the monastic way of life.

Signing the Declaration of Service

This document was given the sign of peace by Sister Cheryl and Sister Lynn Marie as the Sisters applauded.

The ceremony’s final prayer said, “Raise up, O Lord, in your Church, the Spirit with which our holy father, Benedict, Abbot, was animated, that filled with the same spirit, we may study to love what he loved and to practice what he taught, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”